from Carillon
By Tomas Transtromer
I lie on the bed with my arms outstretched
I am an anchor that has dug itself down
and holds steady the huge shadow
floating up there
the great unknown
that I am a part of
and which is certainly
more important than me.
-Translated by Robin Fulton
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
One Long Chime
Gather wood, build the bonfire high
I will give myself
only in bright light
Midnight. You are not here--
these blankets burn me like fire
All night
like a bell and with jewels
I chimed in your arms
Never fall asleep beside my body
I belong to those
who keep vigil over me
If I strangle that rooster
will you lie longer
in my arms
--Pashto landays, versions by Laura Sheahen
I will give myself
only in bright light
Midnight. You are not here--
these blankets burn me like fire
All night
like a bell and with jewels
I chimed in your arms
Never fall asleep beside my body
I belong to those
who keep vigil over me
If I strangle that rooster
will you lie longer
in my arms
--Pashto landays, versions by Laura Sheahen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)